| Q: |
How is work assigned? |
| A: |
We do not have a workflow coordinator responsible for distributing work to summer associates. We create a professional experience similar to that of our associates, who also have no workflow coordinator. Instead, summer associates are provided their initial assignment in the first few days after they arrive. After that, summer associates are generally available to all practice groups and get assignments directly from lawyers in areas of their interest. |
| Q: |
What type of feedback can a summer associate expect? |
| A: |
Every lawyer at Robinson & Cole is expected to give summer associates direct, immediate, and constructive feedback upon completion of work assignments. This feedback is provided in the form of a written evaluation from the lawyer who assigned the project. We strive to ensure written evaluations and follow-up by direct oral feedback and discussion between the lawyer and summer associate to reinforce the learning experience. At the middle and end of the summer, a full review on these evaluations is undertaken with the summer associate as part of a meeting with members of the Hiring Committee. |
| Q: |
What kind of mentoring program exists? |
| A: |
Each summer associate is assigned two mentors. Typically, we try to assign each summer associate a partner and an associate to act as mentors. Mentors do not assign work to summer associates and maintain an open door policy to encourage honest dialogue about assignments, life at the firm and the gratuities of law as a career. |
| Q: |
What resources do summer associates have? |
| A: |
Summer associates have access to all of the resources full-time lawyers enjoy: administrative and secretarial support, technology training, library services, etc. Summer associates are also encouraged to participate in practice meetings and professional development and continuing legal education programs offered during the summer. |
| Q: |
Do summer associates move between Robinson & Cole offices in different cities? |
| A: |
Summer associates do not move between our offices in different cities in terms of their primary office location. However, summer associates often visit other offices for social events or if they work on projects with lawyers in other locations. We encourage a summer associate to visit other offices to meet people and experience the unique characteristics each of Robinson & Cole's offices offers. |
| Q: |
Are summer associates allowed to split their experience between two firms? |
| A: |
During the 12 weeks of the summer associate program, we strive to provide a comprehensive experience indicative of what it is like to be a full-time associate at Robinson & Cole. While we do not encourage the practice of splitting the summer between two firms, our practices vary as circumstances warrant. |
| Q: |
Are first-year students considered for the summer program? |
| A: |
Although most of the students in the summer program have completed two years of law school, we often include at least one student who has completed only one year of law school. Our practice varies as circumstances warrant. |
| Q: |
How many summer associates does Robinson & Cole expect to hire? |
| A: |
Robinson & Cole adjusts its hiring goals annually so the actual number varies from year to year. It is our policy to hire only the number of summer associates needed to meet our hiring goals for the incoming class of first-year associates starting the following year. |
| Q: |
Does Robinson & Cole consider resumes from students at law schools other than those where on-campus interviews are held? |
| A: |
Yes. We welcome and encourage students from schools that we do not visit to submit their resumes to our Recruiting Coordinator. |
